(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Santa and Mrs. Claus made a quick trip from the North Pole to an elementary school in Colorado Springs, all for a very special delivery for several students—just in time for the holidays! On Monday, Dec. 16, students at Monroe Elementary in Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) were surprised with gifts, made possible through the efforts of Pikes Peak United Way and donations from the local community. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe "We do an Adopt-A-School program every year, where we choose a Title One school in El Paso County and we give every student in that school two gifts to open for Christmas," said Elizabeth Quevedo, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Pikes Peak United Way. On Monday, Santa's Helpers distributed presents to every child at Monroe Elementary who eagerly awaited the chance to unwrap their gifts. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe "We are giving every kid a want and a need, and it's just magical," said Quevedo of the more than 700 gifts collected for the cause. "We love watching the kids open the gifts," said Cami Bremer, CEO of United Way. "For so many, these are the only gifts they will get, so we provide something they want and something they need. Often, that new pair of shoes or warm winter coat makes them smile even more than the toys." Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Santa and Mrs. Claus also made time in their busy schedules to stop by and speak to all the good little boys and girls. "Oh, it's great, we really enjoy being able to watch the kids open the toys and it brings a lot of joy to us," Santa said. For many families, the surprise was a true blessing. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe "Right now, things are super expensive and families are often, just trying to get their rent paid and keep the lights on and keep food on the table, and they don't have any extra money to give their kids Christmas gifts," Quevedo said. Upon opening their gifts, many students were heard shouting and jumping with joy. "I'm going to tell my mom that I am going to wear these for five days," said Amiyah, a Monroe Elementary student who unwrapped her new Nikes. "I'm going to look so cool!" As with the gift of giving, Mrs. Claus said the true treasure of the day was seeing the students' reactions. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe "Pikes Peak United Way makes these kids' faces light up, it's just so sweet to see their bright faces when they open these gifts and I think they were pretty pleased," said Mrs. Claus. Whether it was new boots or a new toy, every gift was loved as much as the last. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe "One little boy today found a pair of snow pants that was inside the coat and he was overwhelmed," Quevedo said. "He said, 'I get a coat and pants?' and it was clearly an important day to him, which really hits home and makes you think about how important it is to give back to others." According to Quevedo, Pikes Peak United Way has been working on this project since the end of last school year. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe "We feel like we have gotten to know these kids a little bit, we've seen what they are wanting and needing, and sometimes, you can kind of get a glimpse into what their family situation might be, and so to be able to give kids winter coats and snow boots and tennis shoes is great, and then also be able to give them soccer balls and legos and barbies, is amazing," she said.